Miniaturized HTS/dielectric multilayer filters for satellite communications

Presently, most communication satellites contain well over a hundred of filters in their payload. Typical satellite multiplexers use dual mode cavity or dielectric resonator filters which are large and heavy. As future advanced electronic systems for satellite communications become more complex, they will need even more filters requiring filter miniaturization without performance degradation. Therefore, any improvement in filter technology consistent with this requirement could enhance satellite's performance. To reduce the size, weight, and cost of the multiplexers without compromising performance, we introduce a new class of dual mode multilayer filters consisting of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta// and LaAlO/sub 3/ thin films. The multilayer configuration in C-band, for example, occupies only 1% of the volume of its dielectric resonator counterpart. Details of the design, fabrication, and testing of these filters will be presented.